“This political path forward for First Nations in Ontario is the most important collective milestone in modern times. With this Accord, First Nations and Ontario have committed to strengthening a new relationship. I look forward to working with Ontario in developing a comprehensive strategy and framework that will fully utilize this Accord to advance our jurisdiction and Treaty rights on our terms.” Ontario Regional Chief Isadore DayWiindawtegowinini

Toronto, ON (August 24, 2015) --- Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and Premier Kathleen Wynne signed a historic political accord at a ceremony at the Ontario legislature today.“This political path forward for First Nations in Ontario is the most important collective milestone in modern times. With this Accord, First Nations and Ontario have committed to strengthening a new relationship,” said Regional Chief Isadore Day. “I look forward to working with Ontario in developing a comprehensive strategy and framework that will fully utilize this Accord to advance our jurisdiction and Treaty rights on our terms.”

The Chiefs in Assembly adopted the Political Accord June 18 at the 41st Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference in Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation (Rat Portage) Treaty #3 Territory.

In June 2014, the Political Confederacy was mandated by the Chiefs-in-Assembly to establish a political task force that would develop a strategic plan to promote a new relationship with province of Ontario. In response to the Chiefs in Assembly’s mandate, the Political Confederacy advanced a proposal with the Premier of Ontario that called for the establishment of a Political Accord. This Accord would affirm Ontario’s commitment to working within a government-to-government relationship and would further frame our joint priorities and actions.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne signed the accord for the Province, while Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day signed on behalf of the Political Confederacy and Chiefs-in-Assembly. The Accord creates a formal bilateral relationship between First Nations and the Ontario government, framed by the recognition of the Treaty relationship.

Now the Chiefs and Grand Chiefs will set a joint work plan that will be used to guide the new process to initiate immediate action as outlined in the Political Accord.

The Accord affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government and that the relationship between Ontario and the First Nations must be based upon respect for this right. The Accord also commits the Premier and First Nations’ leadership to meet twice yearly in order to further advance their efforts on shared priorities.

"We are in the midst of a changing social and political environment. Where First Nations are not alone in the fight to protect our lands, resources and water but are joined by other Canadians to voice our common interests,” said Grand Chief Gord Peters, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians. “This Accord captures this social shift and is a tremendous step forward in building a new political relationship between First Nations and the Government of Ontario.”

--30—

- - -

First Nations, Ontario Sign Political Accord

Signing of Agreement Represents Another Positive Step in Reconciliation Efforts

August 24, 2015 11:30 A.M.Office of the PremierToday the Chiefs of Ontario and the Government of Ontario signed a historic Political Accord that will guide the relationship between First Nations and the province.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne signed the Accord for the Province, while Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day signed on behalf of the Political Confederacy and Chiefs-in-Assembly. The Accord creates a formal bilateral relationship framed by the recognition of the treaty relationship.

The Accord:

Affirms that First Nations have an inherent right to self-government and that the relationship between Ontario and the First Nations must be based upon respect for this right.Commits the parties to work together on issues of mutual interest, including resource benefits sharing, the treaty relationship and jurisdictional matters.Sets a path for further reconciliation between First Nations and the people of Ontario.The Accord also commits the Premier and First Nations' leadership to meet twice yearly in order to further advance their efforts on shared priorities.

Quick FactsThe opening prayer at the signing ceremony was provided by Elder Garry Sault from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.Tristen Schneider represented First Nations Youth and provided remarks alongside Minister David Zimmer and Grand Council Chief Pat Madahbee.The Chiefs of Ontario advocate on behalf of the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario.

QuotesKathleen Wynne“The signing of this Accord represents a renewal of the relationship between the First Nations and Ontario and is an important step in the ongoing revitalization of First Nations communities. Most of all, it is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of peoples across the province, and to start to build a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Kathleen WynnePremier of Ontario

“This political path forward for First Nations in Ontario is the most important collective milestone in modern times. With this Accord, First Nations and Ontario have committed to strengthening a new relationship. I look forward to working with Ontario in developing a comprehensive strategy and framework that will fully utilize this Accord to advance our jurisdiction and Treaty rights on our terms.”

Ontario Regional Chief Isadore DayWiindawtegowinini

David Zimmer“The signed political Accord is the culmination of months of negotiation between our government and the Chiefs of Ontario. I’m proud of my ministry’s role in this historic agreement, and our government’s commitment to working together with First Nations in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.”

David ZimmerMinister of Aboriginal Affairs

“We are in the midst of a changing social and political environment. Where First Nations are not alone in the fight to protect our lands, resources and water but are joined by other Canadians to voice our common interests. This Accord captures this social shift and is a tremendous step forward in building a new political relationship between First Nations and the Government of Ontario.”

Grand Chief Gord PetersAssociation of Iroquois and Allied Indians

“The Political Accord signals a willingness of both parties to work together and resolve high level Ontario First Nation issues in a meaningful way.”

“The signing of this Political Accord lays the groundwork for a renewed relationship between the First Nations and the Province of Ontario. It is an indication that the Province is willing to work with First Nations for the betterment of all of our citizens. We welcome their commitment and look forward to working together on the implementation phase of the articles included in the Accord.”